This is our first look at the new, fourth-generation Skoda Superb. It's clearly a subtle aesthetic evolution from its predecessor, but there's still plenty to talk about with the big Czech car, including both enhanced plug-in (PHEV) and mild-hybrid drivetrains being made available.
Looks gently massaged
With in excess of 1.6 million sales since it launched, 845,000 of which were accounted for by the soon-to-be-deposed Mk3, the Superb has been a big success story for Skoda - so it's not about to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Therefore, much of what you know about the Superb holds true for the fourth-gen car. That means it will be sold once again as the hatchback and as the Combi estate, with the new models perhaps most clearly identified by the new Skoda octagonal radiator grille, with the Skoda emblem sitting on the leading edge of the bonnet. Certain models are fitted with second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights. While there are sharp contour lines on the bonnet and the sides of the car, this is obviously visually similar to the previous model.
What isn't immediately obvious is that the new car is 10-15 per cent more aerodynamic than the one it replaces, depending on if it's a hatch or estate, respectively. The former of the body styles has a coefficient of drag of just 0.23, while the Combi's equivalent 0.25 figure is particularly impressive. This is despite the fact that, like so many new cars these days, the Superb has grown in physical stature. The hatch is 43mm longer and 12mm taller than the old car, at 4,912mm and 1,481mm, respectively, while the Combi's equivalent stats are 4,902mm (+40mm) and 1,482mm (+5mm). However, both body styles are narrower by 15mm than before (1,849mm), while the wheelbase is unchanged at 2,841mm on both cars.
Spacious cabin is tech tour de force
Nevertheless, Skoda is claiming increased interior room. Headroom in the fourth-gen Superb is said to be up by 6-11mm, front or rear seats in either body type, while one of the car's long-held strengths - its vast boot capacity - is also enhanced. The hatchback has a 645-litre cargo area with all seats in use, an increase of 20 litres on the old car, while the Combi gains another 30 litres over its forebear with 690 litres of boot space. Fold its back seats down, and the estate has a ginormous 1,920 litres to play with.
Beyond that, externally Skoda is offering six new exterior colours - one of which, Carmine Red, shares its name with a Porsche colour - while alloy wheel sizes range from 17-19 inches in diameter.
Inside, it's not only more room that Superb buyers will enjoy, but an enhanced cabin ambience and the latest in-car technology, too. The Skoda's fascia is centred around a sizeable 13-inch infotainment screen, while for the first time ever the model will be available with a head-up display, to augment the ten-inch digital instrument cluster behind the wheel. As every Superb will be equipped with a DSG automatic gearbox - there are no manual models any longer - then it was possible to move the shift lever from the transmission tunnel to the steering column, freeing up storage space in the centre of the cabin. Ergonomic seats, at least 28 'Simply Clever' ease-of-use features and the much-vaunted Skoda Smart Dials for the various in-car functions complete a pleasing interior aesthetic.
Six powertrains, new suspension tech
Skoda is calling the Superb its 'ICE flagship', which means the grandest car it makes with internal combustion engines. The headlines include a new Superb iV PHEV, which is going to be launched in the Combi estate body only. While a plug-in hybrid variant of the previous Superb was available, this one has a much-enhanced driving range - and charging capability, crucially. The iV uses a 150hp 1.5 TSI turbo petrol engine plus electric motor and 25.7kWh battery pack for a combined system maximum power output of 204hp, which goes to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG transmission.
The all-electric range of this car is said to be in excess of 100km; a more than 50 per cent improvement on the old car's 62km figure. And while the maximum AC charging rate of the new Superb iV is 11kW, allowing for a 2.5-hour full recharge of the battery, this time around the plug-in hybrid Skoda has the ability to be connected to 50kW DC chargers as well - meaning 10-80 per cent battery power is achievable in just 25 minutes.
Another addition to the range is the first mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) variant of the Superb. It uses a 48-volt electrical system, comprising a belt-driven starter-generator and a lithium-ion battery, accompanied by a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. The 1.5 TSI MHEV is the entry-level powertrain for the Superb and it, like every other model save the PHEV, has a seven-speed DSG transmission.
For those wanting more traditional propulsion systems, there are a further two petrol engines and two diesels to choose from - though Irish-market availability has yet to be confirmed. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TSI petrol option comes with either 204- or 265hp, while the 2.0 TDI turbodiesel is offered with 150- and 193hp outputs. Both the 204hp TSI and 150hp TDI are front-wheel drive, while the higher-powered derivatives of the petrol and diesel Superbs come with Skoda's all-wheel-drive technology fitted as standard.
Skoda is also debuting Dynamic Chassis Control Plus (DCC Plus) for the first time on the fourth-gen Superb. This has a clever two-valve adaptive suspension system with the promise of better handling and ride comfort. Again, referencing Porsche, this very technology has been introduced on the Cayenne SUV to impressive effect. There will also be an extensive suite of advanced driver assist safety (ADAS) systems available on the new Superb, either as standard fit or as options.
Specifications for Ireland are yet to be confirmed but the L&K range-topping trim could make an appearance here. These luxury-focused models of the Superb have dark-chrome exterior detailing, as well as plush interiors with finishes like cognac-colour leather. Standard equipment will include the LED Matrix and DCC Plus technologies from the off, while a 14-speaker Canton high-power sound system is also fitted.
'The standard-bearer of Skoda's ICE range'
Klaus Zellmer, chairman of the board of Skoda Auto, said: "The Superb has been the standard-bearer of Skoda's ICE range for more than 20 years. In its fourth generation it will continue to be just that, offering an even more refined, sculptural design, outstanding spaciousness and cutting-edge technology. Further powertrain optimisations and improved aerodynamics make for even greater efficiency.
"We have reconstructed the plug-in hybrid powertrain from scratch, and it now offers an all-electric range of more than 100 kilometres. The completely new interior is even more ergonomic and features an exemplary amount of sustainable materials. Last but not least, we will continue to offer the Superb as a hatch and estate version, perfectly reflecting our customer focus."